Good Morning BP,I am new to Bigger Pockets (first month newbie) and in my "baby steps" stage of learning as much as I can about various RE investing techniques and tactics before I take my first plunge.

This technique works more often than you think, especially when the numbers are tight.

I was expecting it to be a sales fest and chuckled to myself as I seen the instructor bring the crowds emotions up and down over and over, following the sales techniques to exactly [I've been in sales 20+ years and I still wanted to whip out my credit card].Unfortunately, one of my fellow broker attendees fell pray to their methods.

What could one with 10 years experience in Asset Protection do to provide value to current Investors while I learn some techniques?

To try to avoid pulling the pin and dropping a grenade on your post here's something I think might alleviate the rent concern:I heard a technique somewhere, probably from @Brandon Turner, on one of the podcasts about using a phantom craigslist ad to test the waters.  

I am just curious to hear of any techniques, vehicles, etc that have been successful for you in the capacity as a silent partner making a capital contribution only during a property flip.

They may beusing different strategies and techniques than what is commonly preached on BP, but I guarantee there are plenty of RE investors all around you making plenty of money consistently.  

Call your assessor's office if you want to unpack the calculation.The assessor uses an automated valuation tool (done by a computer with no distinction for condition or level of finishes in a house), so it has all the flaws of zillow.com values, with the additional problem of even being as much as several years old and utilizing even cruder software and mass appraisal techniques.

lolI just want to know what the BiggerPockets community thinks about this and how they get around these obstacles because I know these techniques wouldn't be around if people weren't making money off of them.

IMO the best way to learn to invest is to associate with local investors in your area. see what they're doing and HOW they're doing it. each local market is different. so to get a real feel for it you need to network with those who are making it work for them in your neck of the woods. ask plenty of questions of investors in your area. and definitely join your local REIA group. most have beginner classes where they give you an overview of techniques and how to get off to a good start.